Our overview of canine kidney failure symptoms also contains some very valuable additional reading from expert resources (See bottom of page). We hope to assist you during this difficult time, and help you decide on the most effective renal dog diet for your furry friend.

Canine Kidney Disease - Acute vs. Chronic

Acute Canine Kidney Failure

ACUTE renal failure in dogs may be triggered by a trauma injury, exposure to poisons such as antifreeze or rat poison, or by damage caused by medications, bacterial infections (such as leptospirosis), fungal infections, or dog dehydration.

Important Note on Canine Kidney Failure Symptoms and Diagnosis:

Should your dog receive a diagnosis of renal failure, be sure to have your veterinarian run tests for dog health issues that could cause "acute" kidney disease in dogs. Don't simply put it down to "old age" - Aging does not automatically cause acute canine kidney disease.

Once the underlying cause has been treated, acute canine renal failure can often be stopped with many dogs making a full recovery!

Tests to consider include: Sterile urine culture for urinary tract infections, blood test for tick borne diseases, blood work and ACTH stim test for Cushing's and Addison's Disease, and a test for leptospirosis blood titer. All of these can cause elevations in BUN, creatinine, low specific gravity, and protein in the urine.

Chronic Canine Kidney Failure

CHRONIC Canine Kidney Failure, also referred to as as Canine Renal Failure (CRF), can occur in any breed of dog, male or female, and at any age.

The mean age is seven years, and large breed dogs often begin showing signs earlier than small breeds.

Chronic kidney failure is, unfortunately, a progressive and irreversible disease where the kidneys have reduced ability to effectively eliminate waste products from the blood.

Prognosis for dogs with this disease is generally not very optimistic.

Although treatment rarely improves renal function, it may ease canine kidney failure symptoms and help make your dog more comfortable.

Treatments aimed specifically at attempting to slow progression of the disease are controversial.

See the bottom of this page for additional studies on renal dog food diets, and canine kidney failure.

Chronic Canine Kidney Failure Symptoms

Early Stage

Increased urination (Polyuria). You may also notice that your dog’s urine is much lighter in color, as a result of a weaker functioning kidney.

Dehydration.(Tip: You can test for dog dehydration by 'tenting' the skin. Gently pinch the skin between your dog's middle or shoulder blades and note how quickly it springs back. It should take less than 5 seconds. If the skin tends to stick or the "tent" is prolonged, then your dog is dehydrated).

Later Stage

Lack of appetite

Weight loss

Lethargy

Nausea and vomiting

Diarrhea

Bad breath

Weakness and no tolerance for exercise

Muscle wasting

Stiff gait and arching back. A sign that his kidneys are causing him pain.

Sudden blindness. Due to high blood pressure causing the eye to bleed.

Seizures

Please work closely with your veterinarian to discuss your options, and to ultimately decide on the best form of treatment for your own pooch.
You may also wish to consult with a holistic veterinarian, a homeopathic vet, or a dog nutritionist who has experience dealing with renal failure in dogs.

Ask a Veterinarian OnlineIf you have a specific question niggling at you about your dog's kidney disease or, if a second opinion would make you feel more comfortable, you can receive an immediate personal answer by a qualified, professional vet.